Photo via India Today

India's next Hardik Pandya? Naman Dhir announces himself in Christchurch

Naman Dhir played a pivotal role in India's record-breaking T20I chase in Christchurch, scoring an unbeaten 42 runs from 15 deliveries. Coming in at number seven or lower, he achieved the highest individual score for an Indian batter in a successful chase at that position.

The Punjab all-rounder had previously impressed in a rain-shortened nine-over game against the West Indies in Bengaluru, where he hit 24 runs off six balls.

India were 167 for 5 when Dhir entered the crease, needing nearly 60 runs from 33 balls. He accelerated his scoring after the 17th over, hitting a six and a boundary off New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner.

Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Kaif praised his composure and finishing ability, suggesting he could be a viable alternative to Hardik Pandya in the finisher role.

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Naman Dhir’s 15-ball 42 powers India to four-wicket win over New Zealand in first T20I